Reply #18: Well, my methods ... [View All]

[Akoto]

I have a chronic pain condition which tends to be worsened by stress. The following have worked for me ...

1. Cut out the catastrophic thinking. This is the big one. The more you think like that, the more you worry, and the worse you feel as a consequence. It does you no good whatsoever to consider such possibilities when they may never happen. I finally pulled myself out of a month's depression/panic following the diagnosis by realizing this.

2. Tai Chi has been superb for me, not only physically, but as a stress reliever. You can often find low-cost (or even free) lessons at local community centers. If not, pick up a book for beginners. If you can find just a few minutes every day, you can do some Tai Chi.

3. Relaxation time. Regardless of what's going on, I've found it important to take some time strictly for myself. Enjoy a hot bath, watch a TV show, read a book, play a computer game. Whatever I'm in the mood for, I take time to do it.

4. In the same vein, I make sure to get out every day and go somewhere. It doesn't really matter where. Quick trip down the road, grab a bagel at Dunkin Donuts, go out to lunch, whatever. Being out in the world for no specific reason seems to, for some reason, help my stress (and my symptoms). It may just be the fact that my mind is distracted for a while, or maybe it's being out of the house, where I tend to stress and worry a lot.

5. Understanding that nothing is forever. Things are bad now, but they will get better. My condition comes and goes in cycles, so when I'm in the really dark depths of a flareup, I remind myself that I've been here before and will not remain forever.

6. If you can't sleep, don't. Really. When I've been in pain or am panicky, I've found that trying to sleep makes it even more difficult. Read something or, for lack of success, get up and do something.

7. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Your GP, a mental health professional, whatever. We all get overwhelmed at times, and there's absolutely no shame in consulting them for a helping hand. If you can't afford a privately practicing individual, check around to see if your county has a mental health clinic. The folks there are just as qualified and will usually work on a sliding scale.